The transformed Brant Museum will be open to the public September 15th - free admission from noon to 4:00 pm

By Staff

August 6th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

The rendering – the real thing will be opened to the public on September 15th.

The re-opening of the Joseph Brant Museum will take place with a community celebration and free admission on September 15, 12 noon to 4 pm.

Joseph Brant Museum is Burlington’s community museum. With the replica of the original homestead of Joseph Brant ‘Thayendanegea’ (1742-1807), serving as a beacon, the transformed facility features three galleries, space for travelling exhibitions and a dedicated programming area for school groups and education programs. The Museum presents Burlington’s history as well as providing interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.

The Museum has been made possible due to many like-minded partners and donors who have contributed to the project. Funds raised to date include $2.5 million from the Joseph Brant Museum Foundation, $2.9 million from the City of Burlington and $6 million from provincial and federal government sources.

For over 30 years, the need to improve the museum facilities has been a well-documented priority. Designed by Chamberlain Architectural Services Limited, the ‘new’ Joseph Brant Museum will open to the public beginning Sunday, September 15.

There are three permanent galleries that explore Burlington’s rich history and heritage. The Burlington Gallery showcases the City’s first citizen, Joseph Brant, Thayendanegea and the growth of a village to a thriving city through immigration, shipping and industrial development.

Aerial of the Brant Inn.

The Costume Gallery contextualizes social history during the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s, focusing on the famous Brant Inn and the Big Band Era. Often described as putting Burlington “on the map”, the Brant Inn featured many legendary entertainers such as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald. The Discovery Gallery is a hands-on, interactive space constructed for our future engineers, mathematicians and scientists, designed for the young and young at heart.

“We are immensely grateful to our federal, provincial and city partners, as well as many private and corporate donors, staff, board members and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to see this project through to completion,” says Director of Museums of Burlington, Barbara Teatero. “The facility opening is the culmination of a multi-year, visionary process for everyone involved. We’re beyond excited to reveal this unique, distinctive space and the foundational exhibitions to the public and visitors to Burlington.”

Will Museum patrons have to put coins in the pin ball machines?

Larry Waldron, Chair of the Burlington Museums Board,

Joseph Brant Museum’s inaugural travelling exhibit will be on display from October 6, 2019 to January 12, 2020. Offering widespread appeal, visitors can look forward to “Part of the Machine: Rock and Pinball”, from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. This playable, interactive exhibit will feature rock-themed, pinball machines combined with historic merchandise and artifacts to explore the portrayal of artists and bands.

In the words of Larry Waldron, Chair of the Burlington Museums Board, “The new Joseph Brant Museum, gateway to Burlington’s waterfront and downtown has been thoughtfully transformed over the last three years and is now ready to welcome visitors, inspire connections and share its originality and potential.”

This is an architect’s rendering – it will be wonderful if this is the way the museum looks like at night.